VoIP service Skype brings in good tidings for people using Facebook and Skype. The service has launched its latest update and the new Version 5.0 integrates the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook into the Microsoft Windows version of Skype. The company has also informed that a new version of Skype for Mac OS X is in works, although it has not put a date to its release.

The announcement does not come as a surprise to those following rumors on the Web. We may recall, All Things Digital had reported in September that a deal was brewing between Skype and Facebook. Talking about the brand new update, it enables calling and texting friends from your Facebook News Feed and Phonebook; and can automatically recover dropped calls and comes with a simplified interface. Skype is also offering an open beta on its new group video calling feature and said in a blog post:

We’ve integrated the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook into Skype, making it easier to stay connected with the people and communities you care about. We’ve revitalized the look and feel, making voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing and file sharing intuitive and easy to navigate. And you can now bring even more of your family and friends together with the new group video calling feature available in open beta. Skype has also spruced up its dashboard, enabling users to receive messages from their contacts.

With Facebook integration, you can:

• See your Facebook News Feed in Skype
• Post status updates that can be synced with your Skype mood message
• Comment and ‘like’ friends’ updates and wall posts
• Call and SMS your Facebook friends on their mobile phones and landlines
• Make a free Skype-to-Skype call if your Facebook friend is also a Skype contact.